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Posted on: February 25, 2019

Town Accepting Submissions for New Art Initiatives

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Feb. 25, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant Culture, Arts & Pride Commission is launching a new public art initiative, Paint the Town, which aims to infuse art into the architectural landscape of Mount Pleasant. Artist submissions are currently being accepted for the initial launch phase of the project.

The project is the latest addition to a growing arts initiative directed by CAP that includes decorated traffic boxes, the Town Hall art gallery, Art on the Half Shell oyster sculptures and other sculptures around town, and It’s Raining Art that features poetry/art that appear on sidewalks when it rains.

Paint the Town is seeking submissions for art installations large and small to transform buildings and recreation centers. High on the list, the long wall on the side of the R.L. Jones Recreation Center facing Paul Foster Road, as well as the wall that faces Highway 17 on the side of Fire Station 7 on Bowman Road.

Interested artists will find information and details for each location, along with a submission form, on the CAP page of the town’s website (tompsc.com). Artist stipends are being offered for all these locations. Beyond public spaces, CAP is also hoping to recruit business partnership and pair them with qualified artists.

“We want businesses to see Mount Pleasant as an art friendly place,” said CAP member Kenda Sweet. “We’d love to see more art around town.”

In addition to Paint the Town, CAP recently rolled out a public art installation initiated by council member G.M. Whitley called Art on the Half Shell. Taking a cue from the popular fiberglass bears, horses and turtles hand-painted by artists in other towns, the Mount Pleasant version features 4’ oysters. The pilot program made its debut at The Lowcountry Oyster Festival in January and the initial completed oysters will be installed at Memorial Waterfront Park soon. The goal is to inspire local businesses to adopt sculptures and place them at their locations throughout town. Artist submissions are now available on the town’s website and stipends are offered.

“As our community grows we think it is important to let art shape our public image and soften the edges of all the new construction,” said CAP Paint the Town chairman Rebecca Gosnell. “Abstract art can feel exciting, while art that pays homage to our heritage helps us stay grounded in our traditions. We want to see all of those influences here in Mount Pleasant.”